The first SUV to be hybridized, the Ford Escape was ushered into the cyborg future in 2004 and followed quickly by platform-mates (and identical siblings) Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner. A four-cylinder downgraded about 20 horsepower and 40 pound-feet from regular Escape/Tribute/Mariner duty is complemented by two electric motors—one driving the wheels and one to start the engine and work the continuously variable transmission. The combo is good enough to place the trio seventh on our list of the most-fuel-efficient vehicles—period—in all the U.S., but these are slow-witted, stiff-riding transport, and the interiors are cheap and tight.

The Best and Others to Consider

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Mazda blends sports-car know-how into every model, and the 10Best-winning CX-5 is no exception.

The Editors' Rating summarizes a vehicle's overall degree of excellence and is determined by our editors, who evaluate hundreds of vehicles every year and consider numerous factors both objective and subjective.

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Versatility, competency, and reliability are the tenets on which the CR-V hangs its hat.

The Editors' Rating summarizes a vehicle's overall degree of excellence and is determined by our editors, who evaluate hundreds of vehicles every year and consider numerous factors both objective and subjective.

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With athletic looks and a quiet, stylish interior, the Escape distinguishes itself in a crowd of small crossovers.